Economie politique et institutions
The Political Economy and Institutions Master program is designed for economists open to plural approaches, as well as for students from related disciplines. Focused on the analysis of institutions and contemporary challenges (sustainable development, ecological transition, public policy), it combines theoretical rigor with empirical grounding. Three M1-M2 programs prepare students for academic research or socio-economic expertise.
- Develop a critical understanding of the foundations of economics as both a social reality and an analytical discipline, by confronting economic discourse with insights from sociology, history, geography, law, and political science;
- Describe and analyze economic, social, and territorial dynamics in their spatial and temporal dimensions, accounting for interactions between actors, institutions, and political contexts through the use of both quantitative and qualitative data;
- Grasp the complexity of the relationships between economy, politics, and institutions by mobilizing diverse theoretical frameworks and methodologies suited to both national and international scales;
- Carry out socio-economic diagnostics and conduct expert assessments to support public and private decision-makers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of development strategies;
- Master and apply tools for economic and environmental evaluation to analyze public and institutional policies, while developing a critical reflection on their assumptions, limitations, and implications;
- Bring together stakeholders and design economic and social projects using multidisciplinary approaches and decision-making tools adapted to contemporary challenges such as territorial development, environmental sustainability, public policy, and innovation.
The Political Economy and Institutions master program, jointly run by UMI SOURCE (UVSQ) and IDHES (ENS), embodies the University’s ambition to deliver rigorous, interdisciplinary training attuned to today’s major societal challenges. Political economy and institutionalism anchor the study of temporal, spatial and strategic contexts, while tools from geography, sociology, history, law, anthropology and social psychology broaden the analytical lens. Students master both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the formal and informal institutions that shape economic and public policies and to assess their credibility. Three degree-awarding M1-M2 tracks address needs in research, policy expertise and sustainable territorial development: Economy, Organisations and Society (EOS); Economy and Evaluation of Development and Sustainability (EEDS); and Tourism, Environment and Territorial Innovation (TEI). Each combines theoretical rigour with empirical grounding.
This program aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the economic, institutional, social, and territorial mechanisms shaping contemporary society. It trains experts capable of analyzing and interpreting the challenges of sustainable development through the lens of political economy, drawing on approaches from multiple disciplines. With a strong emphasis on analytical and methodological skills, this Master’s program prepares students for a wide range of careers in academic research, the public sector, NGOs, local governments, or the private sector.
Upon completion of the two-year curriculum (M1–M2), graduates of the EPI track have developed a solid grasp of the complex interrelations between economic, environmental, and territorial issues. They are equipped to mobilize a variety of tools drawn from different currents of economic thought, in conjunction with interdisciplinary approaches from geography, sociology, history, political science, and environmental studies. They are trained to design, lead, and evaluate research, consultancy, or development projects, relying on rigorous methodologies, collaborative practices, and partnerships with structured professional networks.
Milano Bocconi (Italie)
School of Industrial relations (Cornell University, US)
Université de Lucerne (Suisse)
Université de Manchester (UK)
Université Ibn Zohr d’Agadir (MAROC)
The Master's mention EPI is attached to the International Mixed Unit Sustainability and Resilience (UMI SOURCE), UMI 272 under the supervision of UVSQ and IRD, part of the UFR des Sciences Sociales from UVSQ (Université de Versailles Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines and Institut de Recherche pour le Développement with branches in Senegal, Madagascar and Côte d'Ivoire),
UMI SOURCE, with its 4 branches (France, Senegal, Madagascar, Côte d'Ivoire), offers opportunities for all students wishing to work in the field in the countries where it is present.
It offers our students scientific relays and the chance to work in collaboration with UVSQ and IRD researchers (teams from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Côte d'Ivoire, Antananarivo University in Madagascar, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal).
The teaching staff of the VT2PE Master's program in the EPI field actively participate in research networks (CIRAD, GIS-GEMDEV, Association Française d'Economie Politique, Association Tiers Monde, etc.) and research projects (ANR, FEDER, PEPR, etc.). It also has a partnership with the Ibn Zohr University from Agadir in Morocco (in particular with geographers).
UMI SOURCE, 47 Bd Vauban 78047 Guyancourt, France (6th floor, Bât. Vauban) https://www.umi-source.uvsq.fr/
Admission to the EPI Master’s program is open to students who have completed at least 180 ECTS credits in one of the following disciplines:
- For the EOS and EEDS tracks: priority is given to candidates from economics and management, but also accepted are those with degrees in economic and social administration, or mathematics and computer science applied to the social sciences (MIASHS);
- For the TEI track: priority is given to candidates from geography and spatial planning, but degrees in tourism, economics and management, life and earth sciences (biology and geology), and environmental studies are also considered.
Graduates of other bachelor’s programs in the humanities and social sciences (e.g., history, modern languages and cultures, sociology, sports science, urban studies), as well as certain professional degrees — especially those related to tourism or the environment for the TEI track — may also be admitted.
Selection is based on a rigorous assessment of disciplinary knowledge, the candidate’s motivation, and the coherence of their academic and professional project with the objectives of the chosen track.
For tracks where economics is the core discipline (EOS and EEDS), applicants from related fields such as geography or sociology must demonstrate a solid background in economics through relevant coursework, as well as an excellent academic record, strong adaptability, and a clear commitment to succeeding in a demanding academic environment.
Specialization structure
